Terry Michael Penny

Born in Dallas, January 15, 1955

Born to Frank and JoAnn Penny

Only boy and favorite to all his Sisters

Sherry Penny (Eustace, Tx),

Jeri Bethune and husband Bill (Plano, TX),

Melinda Penny (Palm Coast, FL)

& Melanie Mayfield (deceased)

Daughter: Stephanie Trevino and husband Mike.

Grandchildren: Allie and Lucas

“Uncle Michael” is also survived by nieces, nephews and many friends and family members.

Terry has had many rewards, opportunities and struggles in his life. When young he was a high-rise master welder and loved his work. Terry was a big guy, towering over most people he met, but a gentle giant. He married young and had a beautiful daughter, Stephanie. He was 100% the fun Dad and favorite uncle. Teaching Stephanie to drive much too early and throwing all the nieces and nephews into the air and tickling non-stop. He would stop to help a stranger change a flat tire on the side of the road without a second thought (true story, Stephanie was there). At the same time he loved to torture (i.e. embarrass) Stephanie and the rest of the family as much as possible with crazy antics.

His first health struggle was a massive heart attack at the age of 32 which completely disabled him. He walked to a neighbor for help. Seeing they had guests (wanting not to bother them) he drove himself to the hospital, ran out of gas in the parking lot, and collapsed in the ER doorway. The doctors were able to save his life (with major damage to his heart). It changed his life forever.

Following that challenge he was diagnosed with throat cancer (expected but not proven to be caused by smoking and lead asbestos from his job). His larynx was removed and faced bigger challenges relearning how to speak with a trach (stoma). Still with a positive attitude he returned to the hospital to teach speech classes to trach patients.

Terry was always cheerful, happy, and full of fun. He loved family most, but enjoyed being with friends, fishing, hunting and collecting guns with Bill. He also loved working with his local HOA, volunteering with the Sheriff’s department, and the local fire department (taking a hatchet to a burning roof on a school was exhilarating). His biggest joy were his two grandchildren who lived in another city and even another continent for a couple years, but he would talk non-stop about them after they returned home and give them the loudest most obnoxious gifts he could find to drive their parents crazy.

As the years passed his health continued to fail. He became a “regular” at Presbyterian Hospital surrounded by nurses and doctors who found him always to be in high spirits and a jokester. His cardiologist, Jr. Kenneth Saland once said he was an inspiration. Melinda states “he has been a major influence in my life as a big brother with wisdom that will continue the rest of my life, and I pray he has influenced many others as well.” One senior family member made the statement “how can a man go through constant debilitating health issues and still have such a positive attitude”. He even asked the hospice nurse “how she could be so beautiful’. GOD wasn’t finished with him yet.

Ultimately wheelchair bound he rode up and down the streets of his neighborhood visiting with his neighbors that were out and always had treats with him to share with the animals. When finally confined to his home and bed he never stopped smiling. Each Sunday afternoon he and Sherry would share lunch. He could make up any story and convince his sisters it was the truth. His comments from his wheelchair were “now I know how it feels to be short!” He had many neighbors he befriended and coached the misguided.

In the final years of his life Terry found Jesus. He wore a baseball cap (given to him by his Uncle Jack) with the verse from John 14:16 and “I love Jesus” on the bill of the cap. He was completely at peace with GOD and not afraid to go HOME. His parents are there to welcome him with open arms.

Brother Ed Fleming officiating at graveside, Monday, November 9th - 2 pm